[Slashcode-general] GeoRSS and Google Maps API Plugins for Slash

[Alexandre L. <ale...@ec...>]

Hi list,

Just wanted to let you know about the great work Shane did in the=20
development of two new slash plugins. Well, it's one plugin, but two=20
distinct features. The first feature works flawlessly while the second=20
is in active development. It's still time to share your thoughts about=20
it :-)

The first feature is adding GeoRSS tags to the RSS feed of the slash=20
site. You can learn more about on http://georss.org and=20
http://slashgeo.org/search.pl?query=3Dgeorss. In short, RSS items are=20
geolocated, meaning they can be mapped or queried by the user. Example:=20
show me RSS story items that are within 50 miles of my state. My goal=20
was simply to have an automated map my slash stories. It works :-) (I=20
can't show you a map of slashgeo.org's mapped georss feed since I=20
stopped geocoding stories until feature #2 below stops showing errors=20
for geolocated stories :-)

The second feature provides a Google Map centered on a story when the=20
story is geolocated. This feature also works but not entirely yet: every=20
section requires a unique Google API Key, so we need to allow skins to=20
have their own gmap_key_id. Many uses/modifications are foreseen.

You can learn more and comment on the plugin on this page:
http://lottadot.com/projects/slashgeorss
read the 'IssuesList' to see where we're going with the Google Maps API=20
part.

My slash site, slashgeo.org, will definitely use the plugin and=20
geolocate every story whenever appropriate. Ultimately, people will be=20
able to browse stories by location, say, stories that relates to the UK.

What's the overhead? Not much. You simply need to specify a location=20
(latitude / longitude coordinates) for your stories. Does it generate=20
added-value? Well, to my readers, yes, since we're geospatial=20
professionals. To your slashsite? You're the judge! :-)

Cheers,

Alex
--=20
Alexandre Leroux, M.Sc., Ing.
Environnement Canada / Environment Canada
Centre m=E9t=E9orologique canadien / Canadian Meteorological Centre
Division de la r=E9ponse aux urgences environnementales /
Environmental Emergency Response Division
ale...@ec...